Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Take Measures To Assist Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Sec. 1. Braille transcriber and assistant. Resolved: That, in order to ensure that blind and visually impaired students are provided with assistance from professionals trained to transcribe and produce Braille documents for students, the Department of Education, referred to in this resolve as “the department,” shall develop a proposal to establish standards for the credentialing of Braille transcribers and assistants. The department shall investigate the training required for Braille transcribers in other states in order to ensure comparable training for such a position; and be it further

Sec. 2. Provide for employment. Resolved: That the department may consider the employment of Braille transcribers and assistants who are receiving training in Braille as an approved special education cost; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the department shall present its proposal to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs no later than December 3, 2009. After receipt and review of the report, the Joint Standing Committee may report out legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.